new values

[lodicollector]

I see a great many posts semi-apologizing for refinished guns or plated GI bring backs. As NIB guns become less available, these guns provide a way for collectors to acquire guns normally not affordable. I submit that, as the hobby progresses, these guns will, themselves become the new-norm. We no longer have the option of WW2 surplus returns to pick from. I would gladly buy a chromed luger, for it has a history of its own.

[SVT-40]

I see a great many posts semi-apologizing for refinished guns or plated GI bring backs. As NIB guns become less available, these guns provide a way for collectors to acquire guns normally not affordable. I submit that, as the hobby progresses, these guns will, themselves become the new-norm. We no longer have the option of WW2 surplus returns to pick from. I would gladly buy a chromed luger, for it has a history of its own.

Lesser quality guns have always been the "norm". They are the most common and affordable. This hobby has been around for many decades. Nothing has changed.

Quality, all matching original excellent condition pieces will command premium prices and will hold and increase in value. They are not "less available". They just cost more.

Not so much for lesser quality pieces.

A chromed Luger can fill a space in any collection. But it won't hold it's value compared to an original all matching excellent condition Luger. Yes it has a "history". But history doesn't relate to value, unless that history can be documented and because of that history increases the pieces value.

Early in my collecting days I too bought lesser quality pieces. But over the years I began to focus on original all matching excellent condition pieces. That's because they hold and increase in value. They are desired above all the other lesser pieces.

I still have quite a few lower quality pieces in my collection. Usually because they had a particular draw. Often because they had a beautiful stock, or were so rare that only medium quality pieces are available.

Nobody needs to apologize for what they have in their collection. Better to have a lesser quality piece you really like, than none at all.


As an example compare the three rifles below. All French MAS-36 rifles.

Which would be the most "desirable"? Which one is the most valuable? Which one would you rather have?

The top one is new all matching after French arsenal refurbishment. It is a post 1986 import. It's just beautiful. Perfect finish and perfect wood.

The second is a as issued all matching non import marked post WWII import. Probably around 90% condition just like it came from MAS in 1939. No alterations. Just honest wear.

The third is in poor condition missing parts and is a documented Vietnam bring back. Really crappy condition. REALLY crappy, but tons of documented history.

[Tim padilla]

[BrokerB]

too funny..Couldnt fly AZ flag as it has appearance of Viet Cong flag hahahah..good call